Corvallis, Oregon

It'll cost a bit more to live in the land of the Oregon State University Beavers. This is the third-priciest home per square foot in our lineup. Yet, it's also one of the most charming. This cottage has two bedrooms and one bathroom. There's wood flooring throughout, with a fireplace in the living room. The kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and wood counter tops. The backyard is fenced and large. A typical mortgage will cost $697 per month; average rent for a two-bedroom home is $805.

American Institute for Economic Research listed Corvallis as the fifth-best college town. Corvallis also has been consistently ranked as one of the safest, smartest and greenest small cities in the nation. And it's a perfect place for the outdoorsy college kid. The Cascades and Pacific Coast are just an hour away.